World Beloved,

A Celebration of Contemporary Women Composers

In our final concert of the season, we turn the spotlight on contemporary women composers featuring local Canadian and internationally recognized artists. This vibrant and diverse program explores themes of strength, longing, sorrow, joy and love through landscapes of forests and open skies, starlight, green hills and human grace. 

At the centre of the program is The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass, composed by Carol Barnett, with libretto by Marisha Chamberlain (2006). This dynamic work blends traditional  mass movements with the sparkle and energy of bluegrass, with an instrumental ensemble featuring fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass.

The choir is honoured to showcase the work of local songwriters Lauren Halász and Colin McMahon.   A valued Alto Section Lead with ECC,  Lauren is also the lead vocalist of the independent folk band “Lo&the High Road”.   Toronto-based  songwriter, singer and ECC member Jade Lotter will also be featured as a soloist with her original composition November Song. 

The program also includes works  by distinguished Canadian composers Eleanor Daley and  Ruth Watson Henderson.  The evening culminates in the lively and humorous When I Become an Old Woman by Sherry Blevins -  a spirited and joyful conclusion to a richly varied concert.

The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass
Carol Barnett (American)

Run Home
Lauren Halász; arr.: Colin McMahon (Canadians)

November Song
Jade Lotter (Canadian)

The Lake Isle of Innisfree
Eleanor Daley (Canadian)

The Maggie Hunter
Ruth Watson Henderson (Canadian)

TaReKiTa
Reena Esmail (Indian-American)

When I Become an Old Woman
Sherry Blevins (American)

And more!